Systems and methods for maximizing energy extraction from moving fluids

ABSTRACT

A fundamental departure from previous methods of extracting energy from moving fluids—increasing by several orders of magnitude the quantities of energy extracted over currently used methods and systems: A part of a moving mass of fluid, or large aggregate thereof, are permitted to flow into encapsulation; the entire flowing mass is then decelerated to zero, or nearly zero velocity, with the entire original level of energy of the moving fluids transferred to the encapsulating/decelerating means or directly to energy users.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/350,334 filed on Jun. 1, 2010, whichapplication is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Utilitypatent application Ser. No. 12/579,978 filed on Oct. 15, 2009, whichapplication is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Application Ser. No. 12/579,978 claims the benefit of and priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/213,702, filed Jul. 6,2009; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/213,837, filedJul. 20, 2009; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/230,096,filed Jul. 30, 2009; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/233,068, filed Aug. 11, 2009; U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/272,052, filed Aug. 12, 2009; and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/244,027, filed Sep. 19, 2009. The disclosures ofthese applications are incorporated herein by reference their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior-art apparatuses for extracting the energy from masses of moving orflowing fluids generally utilize the immersion of one or more blades ina moving fluid. The blades are coupled to a rotating shaft. Theextraction of the energy in the flowing fluid is attempted to beoptimized by proper design and orientation of the blades. The portion ofthe energy extracted by the blades from the moving fluid is delivered bycausing a shaft coupled to the blades to rotate with torque that isusually some fraction of the energy brought to the scene by the movingfluid, yet sufficient to supply some energy to the load coupled to theshaft, such as a pump, generator, or . . . Examples of such prior-artenergy extraction devices are wind turbines, water turbines, steamturbines, paddle wheels, and the like.

While such prior-art extracters have a long and successful history, theyare lacking in efficiency in some cases, and convenience in others. Forexample, a well-known Betz's law, states that a wind turbine can intheory extract only a maximum of 59% of the energy of the wind incidenton the turbine. In practice the extracted energy never exceeds 70-80% ofthe theoretical Betz limit; thus the best one can expect from runningwind turbines is between 41-47% of the energy present. Wind turbines,like solar extracters, are intermittent, and most can actually extractenergy only when the wind speed is between about 2.5 to 25 meters/second(m/s). The seasoned practitioners in the art—when pressed—admit thatoverall delivery expectancy from all now visible such devices will notbe more than about 30% of the energy actually available for our takingfrom the of moving fluids incident to them. That most discouragingconviction includes tidal sea movements, and power from “hydro” originsis barely included any more in the “knowledgeable” projections of energysources.

The newest attempts to extract energy from the seas are the various“wave machines”; each uses the vertical lift of the sea wave as theinput, sometimes to drive a generator directly, or to do so throughvarious forms hydraulic or pneumatic devices.

Because of the meager yield from each device, they are often grouped inchains or an array of units packaged into one container.

PR for the whole field (an essential tool in fund raising) has becomefrantic, and truth is very difficult to determine. The actual results ofthe various attempts are so far from the loudly proclaimed ones, thatthe June 2010 issue of POPULAR MECHANICS, in its excellent review of therenewables situation, takes on as “Myth No. 5—TIDAL POWER IS A LOSTCAUSE” on page 74.

No environmental group has as yet awaken (with horror) to what ourshores would look like when a serious effort to produce some of ourenergy needs from the various wave devices is attempted—and endlessbouy's and hinged chains of large metal boxes would have scarred thenear seas. Scotland has declared itself the “Saudi Arabia of MarinePower”, and commendable efforts to sort out the field are in progressthere. They list (via bwea.com/marine Note: “bwea” is now known as“RENEWABLESUK”), the “three main methods” for extracting energy fromtidal or otherwise “currents”, as being “Cross Flow Turbines”“Reciprocating Hydrofoils”, and “Axial Turbines”. Popular Mechanicsstates than an “array of Axial Turbines (at least 3?) “operated for morethan 9000 hours” in year 2008, in New York's East River, “delivering70,000 KWHrs”; if that is correct, than each Axial Turbine produced appx70000/(3×9000)=2.6 kwh . . . The “output” of such turbine is shown in anad also pictured there as 35 kw. British Petroleum—now famous foranother most unfortunate reason—has not too long ago been promoting itsinitials, BP, as “Beyond Petroleum” . . . Then, perhaps notsurprisingly, the hard headed oil men seemed to move away, in a virtualabandonment, from the hope that other than fossil fuels can possiblyproduce even a significant portion of the world's annual 15,406 TeraWatt Hours electric power use . . . (2004 CIA World Book) Note: 1TWhr=1,000,000,000,000 Watt Hrs.

Yet many knowledgeable sources mirror the 1995 Report to the Office ofScience and Technology of the British Commons (by the Marine ForesightPanel), which states that if only 0.01% of the seas energy werecaptured, it would equal to 5 times the entire world's need for energy .. .

The movement of masses of fluids, especially in the seas alone, CANyield all the energy we need. This application hopes to start a movementtoward far greater, more serious, energy quantity extraction from eachinstallation, and perhaps accelerate the unavoidably coming conclusion:“YES we CAN! become less and less fossil fuels dependent, in a majorway, starting NOW . . . ADVANTAGES

As a sense of the magnitude of the difference between the current “mainefforts”, and what this application is attempting to achieve:

The cross section of an array of 3 Axial Turbines (such as pictured inthe Popular Mechanics review on pg 74), placed on a common triangularframe, occupies an appx 50 ft wide, (3×15 ft width for each turbine), byroughly 30 ft high=1500 sq ft rectangle facing the fluid flow. Thevolume of flow defined by that size rectangular cross section and thespeed of flow of 2.5 meters per second, at which the displayed turbineswere apparently rated, has an energy content of appx 1,000 kw. The 3turbines occupying it, IF RUNNING at 100% efficiency non stop, CLAIMonly 3×35=105 kw, or about one tenth (10%) . . . In real life, probablyabout 35-50 kw for the 3, or less than one twentieth (5%) available fromthat portion of the fluid flow. If the efficiency of our method andsystems applied for here, winds up being only 30%, we would be severaltimes order of magnitude better the current “main method”, capturing atminimum 330 kw or so. As we build actual units and measure and correctour progress, it is my sincere belief that we should arrive at between50 and 85% efficiencies, thus yielding between 500 kw and 850 kw fromthe same fluid flow segment now occupied by the three turbine arrayreferred to as one of the current “main methods”. But even if ourefficiency will be only 30%, the energy our method and systems canderive from the seas makes them look like a no longer dismissible giantin renewable energy sources. And, unlike the various wave machines whichwould so clutter our shores and seas as to make their deployment simplynot permissible, our systems can be totally submerged, invisible fromshore or sea, can be placed deeper, below navigation lanes; water tightelectricity production chambers can be a part of the units, if desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

This Summary is not intended to identify all the key features oressential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is itintended to be used as determining the entire scope of the claimedsubject matter.

All embodiments are based on Newton's teachings for energy and momentumtransfers (whether from one particle, or major aggregates there off—toanother body of mass): a selected portion of a mass of a fluid moving atits nature given velocity V is brought to a complete, or nearlycomplete, stop; the “stopping” device receives, is the beneficiary of,the entire Kinetic Energy—½ m(V square)—originally possessed by thatportion of the flowing fluid, and delivers that energy either directlyfor useful use immediately, or stores it in an energy sink for lateruse.

A portion of flowing fluid is caused to enter a flow thru an enclosure(tunnel); The cross section of that “tunnel” (sq ft), and the square ofvelocity of the flowing fluid, determine the order of magnitude of theamount of energy which will be extracted.

An obstacle of not significant mass, functioning like a sail, closingoff the entire cross section of the tunnel, and mounted on a rollingtrolley freely movable on at least four railroad like rails—is placed inthe way of the incoming flow of fluid—and is driven like a piston withina cylinder by the flow of the incoming fluid;

After the obstacle is propelled to, or near to, the current velocity ofthe flowing fluid, the obstacle is decelerated to zero, or near zero,velocity—causing the entire volume of the fluid within the tunnel (orany other encapsulation means) behind it—also go down to zero, or nearzero velocity—yielding its all, or near all, velocity related energy tothe decelerating means.

The decelerating means can be virtually any effective system, providingthat it highly efficiently receives and transfers the entire amount ofthe mechanical energy taken from the obstacle and the mass of the fluidtrapped it in the tunnel (or other encapsulated media) behind it,directly to the user, or an energy sink from which the user(s) then takeit.

Two of many of such decelerating means are depicted here: one uses arapidly shifting gear ratio between the obstacle and the outputflywheel; the other permits the obstacle to be stopped by exchangingenergy with a potential energy storage sink, where from user(s) thendraw it.

These and other objects and features of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following description and appendedclaims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of thepresent invention, a more particular description of the invention willbe rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that thesedrawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention willbe described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a moving volume of fluid;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for extracting energy froma flowing fluid;

FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of an energy extractor;

FIG. 3B shows a side view of the energy extractor of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A illustrates a moving obstacle with louvers open;

FIG. 4B illustrates a moving obstacle with louvers closed;

FIG. 5A illustrates an end view of spool;

FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of spool;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional end view of a rotary clutchassembly;

FIG. 7 illustrates a CURRENTLY PREFERRED embodiment of an energyextractor, also named “A TWO CYCLE MOVING FLUIDS DRIVEN ENGINE”;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative energyextractor;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an energy storage and extractiondevice; and

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for theoperation of a control;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures willbe provided with like reference designations. It is understood that thefigures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of someembodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the presentinvention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates a moving volume of fluid 100. In at least oneimplementation, a fluid is any substance that continually deforms orflows under an applied force. Fluids are a subset of the phases ofmatter and include liquids, gases, plasmas and, to some extent, plasticsolids. In particular, fluids display such properties as not resistingdeformation, or resisting it only lightly (viscosity) and the ability toflow (also described as the ability to take on the shape of thecontainer). Examples of fluids include liquids, such as water, andgases, such as air.

One of skill in the art will appreciate that the fluid 100 has mass (M).Additionally, because the fluid 100 is moving, the fluid will havevelocity (V), and associated kinetic energy (KE) which can be calculatedas KE=½*M*V². In addition, the fluid contains other energy; together theenergy of the fluid 100 that can be extracted is the mechanical energyof the fluid 100. One of skill in the art will also appreciate that thevelocity of the fluid 100 will differ from the velocity of theindividual particles within the fluid 100. That is, the individualparticles will have a velocity that can be different than the velocityof the fluid 100.

In at least one implementation, the fluid 100 can be encapsulated. Inparticular, the fluid 100 can be part of a larger fluid flow which hasbeen constrained in some way for energy extraction. For example, thelarger fluid flow can include wind, river water flow, ocean currents,tides, waste water or any other fluid flow. Constraining a portion ofthe larger fluid flow can allow for more predictable energy extraction.

FIG. 1 shows that the fluid 100 can be encapsulated within a tunnel 105.One of skill in the art will appreciate, however, that the fluid 100 canbe encapsulated in whatever manner is most convenient. For example, thefluid 100 can be encapsulated on all or most sides, such as in thetunnel 105. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid 100 can beencapsulated by an array of surface which is configured to retard theflow of fluid 100 or otherwise confine fluid 100 in some manner.

FIG. 1 also shows that the fluid 100 can be directed at a movableobstacle 110. In at least one implementation, the contact between thefluid 100 and the movable obstacle 110 can shift the movable obstacle110 along tunnel 105 between an entrance 115 and an exit 120. As themovable obstacle 110 shifts from the entrance 115 to the exit 120, thefluid 100 imparts mechanical energy to the movable obstacle 110.

FIG. 1 further shows that the mechanical energy of movable obstacle 110and the mechanical energy of fluid 100 behind movable obstacle 110 canbe extracted to mechanical energy by a variable coupling 125. In atleast one implementation, the mechanical energy stored in variablecoupling 125 can include rotational energy.

In at least one implementation, variable coupling 125 acts weakly on themovable obstacle 110 (provides a relatively small load) at first,allowing fluid 100 to enter tunnel 105 at a velocity equal to or nearlyequal to the velocity it would have if tunnel 105 and movable obstacle110 were not present. As movable obstacle 110 is accelerated by theinflowing fluid it moves to the right toward exit 120 and variablecoupling 125 increases its load or acts more strongly on the movableobstacle 110 and retards or loads the motion of the movable obstacle 110and fluid 100 in an increasing manner. It finally brings the movement ofthe movable obstacle 100 and the fluid 100 confined behind it to a stop,as described below.

In at least one implementation, stopping the motion of the fluid withinthe tunnel 105, transfers the mechanical energy contained in the volumeof fluid 100 through coupling 125 to a load 130. If load 130 is aflywheel, the mechanical energy from the fluid 100 is delivered to theflywheel and the speed of rotation of the flywheel is increased. In atleast one implementation, more than one load 130 can be connected tocoupling 125. Other loads can be coupled within coupling 125, and thenet result of the increased mechanical energy can be delivered toload(s) 130.

In at least one implementation, the load 130 can include a generatorconnected to a power grid, a pump, or other energy sink. One of skill inthe art will appreciate that the load 130 can include any device capableof retaining or using the mechanical energy transferred from the fluid100. For example, load 130 can include generators, pumps, potentialenergy reservoirs or any other useful work performing device.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method 200 for extracting energyfrom a flowing fluid. In at least one implementation, the flowing fluidcontains mechanical energy, which can be extracted to electrical energyor otherwise be used to perform work. One of skill in the art willappreciate that the moving fluid can be the moving fluid 100 of FIG. 1;however, the moving fluid is not limited to the moving fluid 100 of FIG.1.

FIG. 2 shows that the method 200 includes confining 205 a fluid. In atleast one implementation, the confined fluid is a first portion of aflowing fluid. In particular, the confined fluid can include any portionof the flowing fluid which is used for energy extraction. For example,confining 205 a fluid can include placing a pipe or tunnel within theflowing fluid. In particular, tunnels can be closed on their tops,bottoms, and sides, and open on their ends so that fluid can flow therethrough. Additionally or alternatively, the tunnels can be open on oneor more sides if the one or more sides are not necessary for directingthe moving fluid.

FIG. 2 also shows that the method 200 includes placing 210 a movableobstacle in the confined fluid. In at least one implementation, themovable obstacle includes a first surface. In particular, the firstsurface can be configured to resist the flowing fluid. That is, thefirst surface can be configured to provide a transfer of energy wherebythe flowing fluid begins to move the movable obstacle. In at least oneimplementation, the movable obstacle is placed in the path of theconfined fluid. In particular, the confined fluid is forced to strikethe first surface of the movable obstacle. Such an arrangement can allowfor maximum energy transfer, as the confined fluid is prevented fromflowing around the movable obstacle.

FIG. 2 further shows that the method 200 includes exposing 215 the firstsurface to the flow of the confined fluid. In at least oneimplementation, exposing 215 the first surface to the flow of theconfined fluid can occur at a first location. In particular, the firstlocation can be near where the fluid is confined. For example, if thefluid is confined in a tunnel, then the first location can be at or nearthe mouth of the tunnel.

In at least one implementation, exposing 215 the first surface to theflow of the confined fluid includes closing one or more louvers. Inparticular, louvers can include a pressure resisting surface and anedge. The pressure resisting surface can be configured to align withadjacent louvers to form a surface that is substantially impenetrable tothe fluid. In contrast, the edge is configured to offer minimalresistance to the fluid. The louver can be arranged to increase ordecrease resistance to the confined fluid, as desired.

In at least one implementation, the first confined fluid moves themovable obstacle. In particular, the first confined fluid increases thevelocity of the movable obstacle. If the first movable obstacle remainsin the confined fluid long enough, the first movable obstacle attainsthe velocity, or nearly the velocity, of the flowing fluid. That is, theconfined fluid flows unconstrained or nearly unconstrained behind themovable obstacle.

FIG. 2 also shows that the method 200 can include decelerating 220 themovable obstacle. In at least one implementation, the movable obstacleis decelerated to zero or near zero velocity at a second location.Decelerating the movable obstacle transfers mechanical energy from themovable obstacle and the confined fluid to the decelerating mechanism.The transferred energy can then be transformed into electrical energy orto energy in other usable forms.

In at least one implementation, the method 200 can further includeplacing a second movable obstacle in the flowing fluid. In particular,the first movable obstacle and the second movable obstacle can beconfigured to move reciprocally with and against the flow of the fluid.For example, the first movable obstacle moves toward the first locationwhile the second movable obstacle moves toward the second location andvice versa.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and otherprocesses and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in theprocesses and methods may be implemented in differing order.Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided asexamples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combinedinto fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps andoperations without detracting from the essence of the disclosedembodiments.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an energy extractor 300. FIG. 3A illustratesa top view of the energy extractor 300; and FIG. 3B shows a side view ofthe energy extractor 300. In at least one implementation, the energyextractor 300 can be used for extracting energy from a moving fluid. Oneof skill in the art will appreciate that the moving fluid can be themoving fluid 100 of FIG. 1; however, the moving fluid is not limited tothe moving fluid 100 of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show that the energy extractor 300 can include twotunnels 305 a and 305 b (collectively “tunnels 305”). In particular, thetunnels 305 can be closed on their tops, bottoms, and sides, and open ontheir ends so that fluid can flow therethrough. Additionally oralternatively, the tunnels 305 can be open on one or more sides if theone or more sides are not necessary for directing the moving fluid.Tunnels 305 can be arranged side-by-side, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B,or one can be placed over the other.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show that the energy extractor 300 can include twomovable obstacles 310 a and 310 b (collectively “movable obstacles 310”)that are configured to move reciprocally with and against the flow ofthe fluid within tunnels 305. In particular, movable obstacle 310 bmoves toward the entrance of tunnel 305 b while movable obstacle 310 amoves toward the exit of tunnel 305 a and vice versa.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show that the movable obstacles 310 can be supportedwithin their respective tunnels 305 by a plurality of rollers 315. Inparticular, the rollers 315 can constrain the movable obstacles 310within the tunnels 305 and can allow the movable obstacles 310 to movewithin the tunnels 305 with a minimum of resistance. One of skill in theart will appreciate that allowing the movable obstacles 310 to move witha minimum of resistance will preserve a greater amount of energy forextraction, as discussed below.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show that the energy extractor 300 can include a guidingmember 320, such as a loop of chain or cable, located in the spacebetween tunnels 305. In at least one implementation, guiding member 320extends the length of tunnels 305 and is supported by a pair ofrotatable sprockets 325 that are located at the ends of the tunnels 305.In particular, sprockets 325 can keep the guiding member 320 taut.Additionally or alternatively, sprockets 325 can allow guiding member320 to move easily as needed.

FIGS. 3A and 3B shows that movable obstacles 310 can further includefingers 330 a and 330 b (collectively “fingers 330”) which extend towardthe space between tunnels 305 through slots 335 a and 335 b(collectively “slots 335”) and are in contact with guiding member 320.In at least one implementation, fingers 330 and guiding member 320 worktogether to ensure that movable obstacles 310 move reciprocally withrespect to one another. In particular, the motion of movable obstacles310 is synchronized by guiding member 320. Finger 330 a is inserted intoor connected to the lower portion of guiding member 320. Fingers 330 bis inserted into or connected to the upper portion of guiding member320. Thus when movable obstacle 310 a moves toward the exit of tunnel305 a, the lower portion of guiding member 320 also moves toward theexit; and when movable obstacle 310 b moves toward the entrance oftunnel 305 b, the upper portion of guiding member 320 also moves towardthe entrance. Thus movable obstacles 310 are constrained to move inopposite directions, urged by guiding member 320.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show that the energy extractor 300 can include a shaft340 positioned outside the tunnels 305. In particular, the shaft 340 canbe near the entrance of the tunnels 305 and can extend across bothtunnels 305. In at least one implementation, shaft 340 is supported bybearings 345 affixed to rigid supports such as the outer walls oftunnels 305. FIGS. 3A and 3B show that shaft 340 can be connected anenergy extraction and storage device 350. Energy extraction and storagedevice 350 is configured to extract energy as shaft 340 rotates, asdiscussed below.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show that movable obstacles 310 a and 310 b can containa plurality of movable louvers 355 a and 355 b (collectively “louvers355”). In at least one implementation, louvers 355 are movable betweenclosed and open positions. In particular, when movable obstacles 310move downstream with the fluid flow, louvers 355 are closed and whenmovable obstacles 310 move upstream in the fluid flow, louvers 355 areopen. For example, louvers 355 can include a pressure resisting surfaceand an edge. The pressure resisting surface can be configured to alignwith adjacent louvers to form a surface that is substantiallyimpenetrable to the fluid. In contrast, the edge is configured to offerminimal resistance to the fluid.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show that tunnels 305 can include stops 360 a and 360 b(collectively “stops 360”) at the entrances of tunnels 305 a and 305 b,respectively, and stops 365 a and 365 b (collectively “stops 365”) atthe exits of tunnels 305 a and 305 b, respectively. In at least oneimplementation, stops 360 and stops 365 are located across the lowerportion of the entrance and exit of tunnels 305. When movable obstacles310 a and 310 b reach the end of their travel at the exit of tunnels305, push-rods 370 a and 370 b (collectively “push-rods 370”),respectively, are urged against stop 365, causing louvers 355 a and 325b to open, as discussed below. When movable obstacles 310 reach the endof their travel at the entrance of tunnels 305, push-rods 370 are urgedagainst stop 360, causing louvers 355 to close, as discussed below.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show that the energy extractor 300 can include lines 375a and 375 b (collectively “lines 375”) attached to shaft 340 at aposition near conical spools 380 a and 380 b (collectively “spools 380”)that are coupled to shaft 340. Lines 375 a and 375 b are also attachedto movable obstacles 310 a and 310 b, respectively, using brackets 385 aand 385 b (collectively “brackets 385”), respectively. In at least oneimplementation, the surfaces of spools 380 can be provided with a spiralgroove to guide lines 375 and prevent slippage as lines 375 are rewoundonto spools 380.

One of skill in the art will appreciate that lines 375, energyextraction and storage device 350, shaft 340 and spools 380 can form thevariable coupling 125 and load 130 of FIG. 1; however variable coupling125 and load 130 of FIG. 1 are not limited to lines 375, energyextraction and storage device 350, shaft 340 and spools 380.

In at least one implementation, as either line 375 a or 375 b is pulledat a first rate, the effective diameter of the attached spool 380decreases, thereby increasing the rotation of shaft 340 at anever-increasing rate with respect to the first rate. As fluid enterstunnels 305, it will be moving at an initial velocity, V1. As the fluidstrikes movable obstacles 310, the velocity is reduced to a lesservelocity V2. The decrease in velocity of the fluid represents a decreasein the mechanical energy of the fluid. Since energy is conserved, thisdecrease in mechanical energy of the fluid is transferred through lines375 to shaft 340, thereby increasing the mechanical energy within shaft340. For example, if energy extraction and storage device 350 comprisesa flywheel, the rotational rate of the flywheel, i.e. its mechanicalenergy is increased by an amount equal to the decrease in mechanicalenergy experienced by the slowing fluid and the movable obstacle 310.

By way of example, and not by limitation, the operation of the energyextractor 300 will be described. The presence of fluid flow urgesmovable obstacle 310 a toward the exit (top of FIG. 3A; left of FIG. 3B)of tunnel 305 a by the mechanical energy of the flowing fluid. Movableobstacle 310 a exerts a tensional force on line 375 a which engages thelocked condition of spool 380 a and urges shaft 340 to rotate atincreasingly higher speeds against the load imposed by energy extractionand storage device 350. The inertial resistance to such rapid increasein rotation within energy extraction and storage device 350 increasesthe “back pull” on the movable obstacle 310 a, slowing its movement andtherefore the flow of water through tunnel 305 a; this combination ofactions, slowing or even stopping the flow in the tunnel, whileincreasing the force rotating shaft 340, delivers the fluid's mechanicalenergy to energy extraction and storage device 350. The initial motionof movable obstacle 310 a is also slowed and the mechanical energyassociated with the movable obstacle's mass is also delivered to energyextraction and storage device 350.

As movable obstacle 310 a moves toward the exit of tunnel 305 a finger330 a urges guiding member 320 to rotate. As guiding member 320 rotates,it urges finger 330 b, and thereby movable obstacle 310 b, to movetoward the entrance of tunnel 305 b. As movable obstacle 310 b movestoward the entrance of tunnel 305 b, 380 b rotates on shaft 340, asdescribed below, whereupon line 375 b is wrapped around spool 380 b.

When movable obstacle 310 a reaches stop 365 a, push-rods 370 a causelouvers 355 a on movable obstacle 310 a to open, as described below. Atthe same time, push-rods 370 b are urged against stop 360 b, therebyclosing louvers 355 b on movable obstacle 310 b, as described below. Theflow now exerts force against movable obstacle 310 b, urging it towardthe exit of tunnel 305 b and turning shaft 340, thereby deliveringmechanical energy to energy extraction and storage device 350. Thiscycle repeats indefinitely.

The full mechanical energy of the movable obstacle and fluid isextracted from them as they are brought to a full stop, as describedbelow in connection with energy extraction and storage energy extractionand storage device 350. The rotational energy communicated to energyextraction and storage device 350 by line 375 a, spool 380 a, and shaft340 when movable obstacle 310 a is decelerated as it moves downstream.The same occurs with line 375 b, cone 380 b, and shaft 340 when movableobstacle 310 b is decelerated as it moves downstream. These rotationalenergies are extracted by energy extraction and storage device 350 torotary energy for generators or the like.

When the movable obstacle with closed louvers moves within a tunnel,which may be from a few feet to any length deemed best for the giveninstallation (with flow velocity as one tunnel length determinator), allthe fluid behind the movable obstacle is trapped and moves with the samevelocity as the movable obstacle. Thus the well-known relationshipbetween kinetic energy, mass, and velocity applies, i.e., the extractedkinetic energy is equal to one-half times the total mass of the movableobstacle 310 and trapped fluid times the difference between the initial,highest velocity of the fluid and movable obstacle 310 squared, and thefinal velocity of the fluid and movable obstacle 310 squared. Thiskinetic energy is delivered to energy extraction and storage device 350,as described below.

Fluid moving through tunnels 305 a or 305 b from entrance to exit whilethe louvers 355 a or 355 b on either movable obstacle 310 a or 310 b areopen represents a drag on the movable obstacles 310 when they arereturning toward shaft 340. This drag on the returning movable obstaclereduces the overall efficiency of the energy extractor 300. Thisdecrease in performance can be avoided by providing additional louvers390 a and 390 b (collectively “louvers 390) at the entrances to tunnels305 a and 305 b, respectively. These additional louvers 390 prevent theflow of the fluid against the returning movable obstacles 310. Louvers390 can be motor driven and controlled by control 395 a and 395 b(collectively “controls 395”) or they can be connected to the same partsand activated in concert with the louvers 355.

Louver assemblies 390 a and 390 b operate as follows: When movableobstacle 310 a is moving toward the entrance to tunnel 305 a, louvers355 a on movable obstacle 310 a are open and louver assembly 390 a isclosed, thereby preventing any flow of fluid against movable obstacle310 a as it returns to the entrance of tunnel 305 a. When movableobstacle 310 a is moving away from the entrance of tunnel 305 a, louvers355 a on movable obstacle 310 a are closed and louver assembly 390 a isopen, permitting the full force of fluid flow against movable obstacle310 a and entrance of fluid into tunnel 305 a. Closing the entrance tothe tunnel while movable obstacle 310 a is returning to the entrancestops the flow of water into the tunnel and prevents most of impingementby the fluid against movable obstacle 310 a. Louvers 390 b performsimilarly for movable obstacle 310 b in tunnel 305 b. This action canactually increase the flow velocity in the open tunnel, adding to themechanical energy available for extraction.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a moving obstacle, such as moving obstacle310 of FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIG. 4A illustrates a moving obstacle withlouvers 355 open; and FIG. 3B illustrates a moving obstacle 310 withlouvers 355 closed. In at least one implementation, the moving obstacle310 can be used to transfer mechanical energy from a flowing fluid, asdescribed below.

FIGS. 4A and 4B that louvers 355 are rotatably connected to a finger405. In at least one implementation, fingers 405 are rotatably connectedto a bar 410. When bar 410 is in its lower position, fingers 405 andlouvers 355 have rotated clockwise, placing louvers 355 in their “open”position. When bar 410 is in its upper position, fingers 405 and louvers355 have rotated counter-clockwise, placing louvers 355 in their“closed” position.

Movable obstacles 310 further include movable push-rod assemblies 370.When push-rods 370 are urged toward movable obstacles 310, bar 410 isurged downward, placing louvers 355 in their open position. Whenpush-rods 370 are urged toward movable obstacles 310, bar 410 is urgedupward, placing louvers 355 in their closed position. When louvers 355are open, they provide minimal resistance to the fluid and it flowsfreely between them. When louvers 355 are closed, they prevent fluidflow between them and the pressure of the fluid against louvers 355tends to hold them in their closed position.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an expanded view of spool 380. FIG. 5Aillustrates an end view of spool 380; and FIG. 5B illustrates across-sectional side view of spool 380. One of skill in the art willappreciate that spool 380 can provide a variable coupling, such asvariable coupling 125 of FIG. 1; however variable coupling 125 of FIG. 1is not limited to spool 380.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show that spool 380 can include an outer conical sectionthat rotates on a shaft 340. A coil spring 505 is housed within an openregion 510 in spool 380. Spring 505 encircles shaft 340. At its innerend, spring 505 is secured to shaft 340 by a captive connection 515 suchas a weld, screw, clip, or the like. Spring 505 is secured to spool 380by a similar connection 520. Thus as shaft 340 rotates within spool 380spring 505 winds more or less tightly around shaft 340. Spring 505 ispre-tensioned so that when there is no relative rotational force appliedto spool 380 and shaft 340, spring 505 assumes a rest position. The restposition can be either tightly wound or strongly unwound, depending onthe pretensioning of spring 505.

FIGS. 5A and 5B also show that spool 380 can include a one-way, rotaryclutch assembly 525. Clutch assembly 525 permits spool 380 to rotate inonly one direction on shaft 340, as described below. Spring 505 isoriented and pre-tensioned so that when spool 380 has rotated apredetermined number of times and is then released, spring 505 will urgespool 380 to return to its original rotational position with respect toshaft 340.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional end view of a rotary clutchassembly 525. In at least one implementation, rotary clutch assembly 525is included within spool 380. Clutch 525 comprises an outer sleeve 605,an inner shaft 610, a plurality of cylindrical pins 615, and a pluralityof compression springs 620 that urge pins 615 against sleeve 605. Insome designs, pins 615 are replaced by balls. When shaft 610 is rotatedcounter-clockwise, sleeve 605 frictionally urges pins 615 againstsprings 620. When springs 620 are compressed, pins 615 supply a loosefit between shaft 610 and sleeve 605 and shaft 610 is free to rotatewithin sleeve 605. When shaft 610 is rotated clockwise, springs 620 urgeballs 615 against sleeve 605, forming a wedge that locks shaft 610 andsleeve 605 together, preventing any relative rotation between the two.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an alternative energy extractor 700. Inat least one implementation, the energy extractor 300 can be used forextracting energy from a moving fluid. One of skill in the art willappreciate that the moving fluid can be the moving fluid 100 of FIG. 1;however, the moving fluid is not limited to the moving fluid 100 of FIG.1.

FIG. 7 depicts the currently preferred embodiment; it shows that theenergy extractor 700 can include two or more adjacent tunnels 705 a and705 b (collectively “tunnels 705”) placed in the moving fluid. Inparticular, the tunnels 705 can be closed on their tops, bottoms, andsides, and open on their ends so that fluid can flow there through.Additionally or alternatively, the tunnels 705 can be open on one ormore sides if the one or more sides are not necessary for directing themoving fluid. Tunnels 705 can be arranged side-by-side, as shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B, or one can be placed over the other.

FIG. 7 also shows that the energy extractor 700 includes rails 710 a and710 b (collectively “rails 710”) placed within tunnels 705 a and 705 b,In at least one implementation, rails 710 are substantially parallel tothe flow of fluid within tunnels 705. In particular, tunnels 705 candirect the flow of the fluid and rails 710 can be aligned with thedirection of the fluid flow.

FIG. 7 further shows that the energy extractor 700 can include movableobstacles 715 a and 715 b (collectively “movable obstacles 715”) withintunnels 705 a and 705 b, respectively. In at least one implementation,the movable obstacles 715 are configured to move reciprocally with andagainst the flow within tunnels 705. In particular, movable obstacle 715b moves toward the entrance of tunnel 705 b while movable obstacle 715 amoves toward the exit of tunnel 705 a and vice versa.

FIG. 7 also shows that the movable obstacles 715 a and 715 b can besupported within their respective tunnels 705 by roller trolleys 720 aand 720 b (collectively “roller trolleys 720”), respectively. Inparticular, the roller trolleys 720 can constrain the movable obstacles715 within the tunnels 705 and can allow the movable obstacles 715 tomove within the tunnels 705 with a minimum of resistance. One of skillin the art will appreciate that allowing the movable obstacles 715 tomove with a minimum of resistance will preserve a greater amount ofenergy for extraction.

FIG. 7 further shows that a guiding member 725, such as a loop of chainor cable, can be located in the space between tunnels 705. In at leastone implementation, guiding member 725 extends the length of tunnels 705and is supported by a pair of rotatable sprockets 730 that are locatedat the ends of the tunnels 705. In particular, sprockets 730 can keepthe guiding member 725 taut. Additionally or alternatively, sprockets730 can allow guiding member 725 to move easily as needed.

FIG. 7 also shows that movable obstacles 715 a and 715 b can contain aplurality of movable louvers 735 a and 735 b (collectively “louvers735”). In at least one implementation, louvers 735 are movable betweenclosed and open positions. In particular, when movable obstacles 715move downstream with the fluid flow, louvers 735 are closed and whenmovable obstacles 715 move upstream in the fluid flow, louvers 735 areopen. For example, louvers 735 can include a pressure resisting surfaceand an edge. The pressure resisting surface can be configured to alignwith adjacent louvers to form a surface that is substantiallyimpenetrable to the fluid. In contrast, the edge is configured to offerminimal resistance to the fluid.

FIG. 7 further shows that movable obstacle 715 a and 715 b can includebumpers 740 a and 740 b (collectively “bumpers 740”), respectively. Inat least one implementation, bumpers 740 a and 740 b can make contactwith decelerators 745 a and 745 b (collectively “decelerators 745”),respectively. In particular, bumpers 740 can prevent any contact betweenmovable obstacles 715 and decelerators 745 from damaging movableobstacles 715.

In at least one implementation, decelerators 745 are configured todecelerate the movable obstacles 745. In particular, the deceleratorsare attached to rails 710. Thus, the decelerators 745 can capture themechanical energy of the movable obstacles 715 and the encapsulatedfluid propelling the movable obstacles 715. For example, thedecelerators 745 can include springs and other potential energy storingsystems, or other devices that are configured to decelerate the movableobstacles 715, a variety of which will occur to those in the art.

FIG. 7 also shows that decelerators 745 a and 745 b are attached toracks 750 a and 750 b (collectively “racks 750”), respectively. In atleast one implementation, rack 750 a is supported between support roller755 a and one-way clutch gear 760 a and rack 750 b is supported betweensupport roller 755 b and one-way clutch gear 760 b. As the bumpers 740contacts and deforms decelerators 745, gears 760 and rack 755 retain thedecelerator 745 in the deformed position, (arrested by a ratchet 751 orthe like), thus retaining the mechanical energy imparted to thedecelerator 745. As the obstacle 715 b begins its return toward tunnel705 b entrance, and the bumper 740 has achieved enough clearance fromthe deformed decelerator 745 b, the further movement of obstacle 715 breleases the ratchet 751 via tension in cable 752, which connects theobstacle 715 to ratchet 751. That release causes the decelerator 745 bto “fire” by springing back to its non deformed position.

That rapid expansion yanks rack 750 b toward the tunnel 705 b entrance,which in turn spins one way clutch gear 760 b (here counterclockwise),and deposits the energy taken by decelerator 745 b from the decelerationof both the obstacle 715 b and the mass of the fluid trapped in thetunnel 705 b behind it—in the output shaft 340.

FIG. 7 shows that shaft 340 can be connected to a flywheel 765. Flywheel765 can, in turn, be connected, thru an infinitely variable clutch 775if desirable, to a load, where the rotation energy is extracted toelectrical energy or other useable energy. The flywheel 765 and theretoconnected elements can be placed in a water tight enclosure, with shaft340 entering it thru a standard water tight rotational seal; a small airpump can be added to keep the interior of said enclosure at a pressureslightly higher than the fluids outside to keep the interior dry.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative energy extractor800. In at least one implementation, the energy extractor 800 can beused in fluids that ebb and flow, such as oceanic tides, winds thatchange direction, and the like. A movable obstacle 805 is constrained tomove within a framework 810 that is contained within a tunnel 815,indicated by dashed lines. Movable obstacle 805 is supported by aplurality of rollers 820. Movable obstacle 805 includes a first surface825 a and a second surface 825 b opposite the first surface. In at leastone implementation, the movable obstacle 805 is moved a first directionby fluid flow in the first direction which pushes on the first surface825 a. When the direction of fluid flow reverses, the movable obstacleis moved in a second direction by fluid flow in the second directionwhich pushes on the second surface 825 b.

FIG. 8 shows that the energy extractor 800 can include a shaft 240 whichis supported by bearings 245 mounted on frame 810. In at least oneimplementation, shaft 240 is connected to an energy storage andextraction device 350 that either stores energy it receives or canextract the energy to electrical energy or energy in other usable forms.

FIG. 8 also shows that the energy extractor 800 can include a pair ofconical spools 380 a and 380 b mounted on shaft 830. In at least oneimplementation, spools 380 a and 380 b operate to store the mechanicalenergy imparted by the confined fluid to the movable obstacle, asdescribed above. A pair of lines 375 a and 375 b are secured to sail 805by brackets 385 a and 385 b at one end. At the other end, lines 375 aand 375 b are secured to spools 380 a and 380 b, respectively.

FIG. 8 further shows that energy extractor 800 can include a turntable830. In at least one implementation, the turntable 800 can support theenergy extractor in order to rotate it into the most favorableorientation with respect to flow of the fluid through tunnel 815. A pairof submergible catamaran hulls 835 can be used to aid in aligning tunnel815 with the fluid flow. An optional drive source 840, takingdirectional commands from a weather vane-like device submerged in thefluid, can be used to orient tunnel 815 with the fluid flow.

In operation, movable obstacle 805 traverses back and forth withintunnel 815 in response to the flow of fluid in and out of tunnel 815.Spools 380 a and 380 b operate alternately to turn shaft 240 and rewindlines 375 b and 375 a, as described above. As described above, themechanical energy derived from slowing the motion of movable obstacle805 is also delivered to device 350 along with the mechanical energycontribution from the decelerating fluid.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an energy storage and extraction device350. In at least one implementation, the energy storage and extractiondevice 350 can be used to increase the torque required to turn shaft340. In particular, it acts with the increasing diameter of spools 380to slow the motion of movable obstacles. By slowing the motion of themovable obstacles, the mechanical energy present in the motion of themass including the movable obstacle and the fluid confined behind themovable obstacle is reflected in increasing torque applied to shaft 340.This increased torque is absorbed by energy storage and extractiondevice 350.

FIG. 9 shows that energy storage and extraction device 350 can include agear 905 secured to shaft 340. In at least one implementation, gear 905drives gear 910; gear 910 is supported on a shaft 915 and a flywheel920. Shaft 915 drives a generator 925 a whose output is connected to aload 930. Shaft 915 continues through generator 925 a and passes througha clutch 935 and a second generator 925 b and a predetermined number ofsubsequent clutches 935 b generators 925 c. Although shaft 915 passesthrough the second generator 925 b, it is coupled to generator 925 bonly when clutch 935 is activated. I.e., when clutch 935 is notactivated, shaft 915 rotates as it passes through generator 925 bwithout turning the rotor within generator 925 b. Thus when clutch 935is not activated, generator 925 b does not deliver any power to load930, nor does it constitute a torque load on shaft 915. When clutch 935is activated, shaft 915 turns the rotor within generator 925 b andcauses it to deliver power to load 930, while simultaneously providingan additional torque load on shaft 915.

In at least one implementation, flywheel 920 stores mechanical energyand, along with generator 925 a provides the initial inertial resistanceto the acceleration that spools 380 attempt to impose. Clutches 935 areelectrically activated by a control unit 940. Clutches 935 are coupledto generators 925 b through 925 c which are mounted to freewheel onshaft 915. When instructed by control 940, clutches 935 are eitherconnected to shaft 915 and apply torque to the shafts of generators 925a, or they coast on shaft 915 and apply no torque to generators 925 a.When a clutch 935 is rotationally coupled to shaft 915, generator 925 aturns and generates electrical current which is added to load 930,adding to the rotation of shaft 915. As control 940 activates additionalclutches 935, additional generators 925 a apply more current to load930, causing more torsional resistance on shaft 915. Load 930 can be apower grid, a pump or any of a number of other devices that is arrangedto use electrical energy.

FIG. 9 shows that the energy storage and extraction device 350 caninclude a speed and position sensor 945. Sensor 945 can include absoluteposition optical or magnetic encoders for example. Sensor 945 measurethe position and speed of movable obstacles and confined fluids. Sensor945 is connected to control unit 940 that is arranged to activateclutches 935 under predetermined conditions.

In at least one implementation, as movable obstacles begin to move underthe influence of a flowing fluid, the drag exerted by energy storage andextraction device 350 is small. This permits fluid to flow at or nearthe speed of the unimpeded flow. As movable obstacles reach the end oftheir travel, it is desirable to slow their velocity to nearly zero inorder to transfer to shaft 340 the maximum amount of the change in themechanical energy in the mass of the energy extractor, and in the massof the fluid trapped behind them, to the shaft 340. As a result, moregenerators 925 are brought on line, thereby increasing power deliveredto load 930 while adding resistance to the torque applied to shaft 340,and slowing the motion of the movable obstacles.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for theoperation of control 940. At the start, block 1000, control 940 isreset. Next, sensor is read, block 1005, and the position and speed ofmovable obstacles are determined. If the speed at any predeterminedposition is too high, block 1010, control 940 activates one of clutches,coupling one generator to shaft 915, block 1015, and the sensors areread again, block 1005. If the speed at any predetermined position istoo slow, block 1020, control disengages one of clutches 940,disconnecting one generator, block 1025, and the sensors are read again,block 1005. If the speed of movable obstacles is neither too fast nortoo slow and the movable obstacles are not at the end of their travel,block 1030, the sensors are read again, block 1005, and the loopcontinues. If the movable obstacles are at the end of their travel,block 1030, control 940 is reset, block 1035, and the sensors are readagain, block 1005. The progress through the instructions and queries inFIG. 10 continues indefinitely during the operation of the embodiments.

FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C illustrate an example of a flow direction sensingswitch 1100. In at least one implementation, the flow direction sensingswitch 1100 can detect the direction in which a fluid is flowing andconfigure an energy extractor accordingly. In particular, the switch 110can ensure that an energy extractor is maximizing the amount of energyextracted by adjusting portions of the energy extractor, and constitutesa self sensing ability for—for example—changes in fluid flow directionduring reversal of tide flow.

Clearly the device in FIG. 7 would be modified to have the deceleratorsso located, or modified in activation, that the obstacles 715 would beable to deposit the energy carried into the tunnels by the moving fluidson either end of the tunnel—as the tide changes relocate the entrance tothe tunnels from one end to the other. Such or similar modification—inconjunction with FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C, permit and automatic non stopfunctioning of the energy extraction from moving fluids, regardless ofdirection of the, for example, tidal direction. This can also beachieved by placing the apparatus on a railroad like rotunda, andleaving the embodiment functioning unidirectionally, as shown anddescribed above.

FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C show that the switch 1100 can include two paddles1105 a and 1105 b (collectively “paddles 1105”). In at least oneimplementation, the paddles 1105 are oriented such that when one paddleis exposed to a flowing fluid, the other paddle offers minimalresistance to the flowing fluid. In particular, the paddles 1105 can beoriented perpendicular to one another such that one paddle is exposed tothe fluid flow while another paddle is edge on to the fluid flow. FIG.11B shows that when the first paddle 1105 a is exposed to the flow thesecond paddle 1105 b offers little resistance to the flow. FIG. 11Cshows that when the second paddle 1105 b is exposed to the flow thefirst paddle 1105 a offers little resistance to the flow.

FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C also show that the switch 1100 can include ashaft 1110. In at least one implementation, the shaft 1110 is rotated bythe paddles 1105 when the flow direction changes. In particular, thepaddles 1105 are attached to the shaft 1110. When the flow changesdirection, the shaft 1110 is rotated, changing the orientation of theshaft 1110. One of skill in the art will appreciate that if the shaft1110 is constrained to only rotate 90 degrees, then one of the paddles1105 will always be exposed to the flow and the other will always beedge on to the flow

FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C show that the switch 1100 can include twoactivating knobs 1115 a and 1115 b (collectively “activating knobs1115”) attached to shaft 1110. In at least one implementation, theactivation knobs 1115 are configured such that they can determinewhether the louvers 355 within a movable obstacle 310 open or close whenthe movable obstacle 310 is urged against the switch 1100. Inparticular, if the fluid flow is in the direction shown in FIG. 11B thenthe activation knob 1115 a will come in contact with lever arm 1120 a,closing the louvers. In contrast, if the fluid flow is in the directionshown in FIG. 11C, then the activation knob 1115 b will come in contactwith lever arm 1120 b, opening the louvers.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1.-3. (canceled)
 4. A method for extracting energy from a flowing fluid,comprising: (a) providing a movable sail like obstacle having a surfacewithin the encapsulation means, (b) placing said sail in said flowingfluid so that said fluid tends to move said sail downstream, (c)providing a circuit having an upstream end and a downstream end, saidsail being attached to said circuit, (d) providing first low resistanceguide means for orienting said surface of said sail obstaclesubstantially perpendicular to the flow of said fluid, to allow saidsail obstacle to move downstream in said flowing fluid in said circuitfrom said upstream end to said downstream end, thereby permitting saidfluid to drive said sail obstacle before it as both the said sailobstacle and the said fluid driving it move downstream, (e) providingsecond guide means for orienting portions of said surface of said sailsubstantially parallel to said flow of said flowing fluid and movingsaid sail from said downstream end to said upstream end of said circuit,thereby enabling said sail to be moved upstream in said fluid withrelatively little resistance, (f) providing connection means forcoupling the downstream movement of said sail to an energy means,thereby transferring energy from said sail and said flow of said fluidto said energy means.
 5. The method of claim 4, further including: (a)providing a tunnel immersed in said flowing fluid, to serve as the saidencapsulation means, (b) placing said sail obstacle, said circuit, andsaid first and second guide means within said tunnel, (c) orienting saidtunnel so that said flowing fluid flows from said upstream end towardsaid downstream end of said tunnel so that said fluid flowing withinsaid tunnel causes said sail obstacle to move around said circuit, (d)providing connection means from said circuit to said energy means,thereby coupling said motion of said sail obstacle to said energy means.6. The method of claim 4 wherein said energy utilization means isselected from the group consisting of flywheels, pumps, and generators.7. The method of claim 4, further including a plurality of said sails,said sails being spaced from each other and first and second guide meansbeing arranged to allow and move said plurality of sails downstream andupstream in said circuit.
 8. The method of claim 4 wherein said sail isattached to said circuit by a pair of pivots secured to the ends of theupper edge of said sail.
 9. The method of claim 4 wherein the lower edgeof said sail further includes a pair of rollers at each end, saidrollers being positioned to ride on one of said first and second guidemeans.
 10. A system for extracting energy from a flowing fluid,comprising: a fluid encapsulation means, a sail having a pair ofopposing major surfaces, a circuit having an upstream end and adownstream end, guide means for guiding the movement of said sail aroundsaid circuit so that when said sail is placed in said flowing fluid,said sail (a) will be allowed to move in a first direction from saidupstream end toward said downstream end of said circuit with said majorsurfaces generally normal to the direction of motion of said fluid so asto convert energy from said sail, and (b) move in a second direction,opposite said first direction, with said major surfaces generallyparallel to said direction of motion of said fluid so as to move withrelatively low resistance to the motion of said fluid, and an energystorage and extraction device arranged to receive rotary input from ashaft coupled to said sail when said sail moves downstream, whereby saidsail is urged to move with said fluid in said first direction, therebycausing said shaft to rotate and provide a rotary energy output fromsaid flowing fluid, and said sail will be moved in said second directionback to said upstream end, where after it can be moved again in saidfirst direction for transfer of energy to said shaft.
 11. The system ofclaim 10, further including a tunnel, said sail, said circuit, and saidguide means being constrained to operate in said tunnel.
 12. The systemof claim 10 wherein said energy device is selected from the groupconsisting of flywheels, pumps, and generators.
 13. The system of claim10, further including a plurality of said sails said sails being spacedfrom each other and first and second guide means being arranged to allowand move said plurality of sails downstream and upstream in saidcircuit.
 14. The system of claim 10 wherein said sail is attached tosaid circuit by a pair of pivots secured to the ends of the upper edgeof said sail.
 15. The method of claim 10 wherein the lower edge of saidsail further includes a pair of rollers at each end, said rollers beingpositioned to ride on one of said first and second guide means.
 16. Amethod of extracting energy from a flowing fluid, comprising: (a)placing a moveable sail obstacle in said flowing fluid so that a part ofsaid flowing fluid moves said sail from a starting location to adownstream location in the direction of flow of said flowing fluid sothat said sail and said part of said flowing fluid have kinetic energy,and (b) providing connection means for coupling the movement of saidsail to an energy means, said connection means also being arranged todecelerate said movement of said sail and said part of said flowingfluid to zero or nearly zero velocity as it moves downstream so that, assaid sail decelerates, substantially all of said kinetic energy of saidsail and said part of said flowing fluid are transferred to said energyutilization means, thereby transferring substantially all of saidkinetic energy that said sail and said part of said flowing fluid had attheir highest velocity to said energy means.
 17. The method of claim 16wherein said connection means comprises a shaft connected to said energyutilization means, at least one spool having a spring and a one-wayclutch on said shaft, at least one line with a first end attached tosaid shaft and arranged to wind onto and off of said spool, and a secondend attached to said sail so that when said sail moves in one directionsaid line unwinds from said spool and said clutch grips said shaft,thereby urging said shaft to rotate, and when said sail moves in theopposite direction, said spring causes said line to be rewound onto saidspool so that when said sail moves in said one direction, said energy insaid flowing fluid water and said sail is communicated to said energyutilization means.
 18. The method of claim 16, further includingproviding means for releasing said part of said flowing fluid from saidsail and moving said sail in an upstream direction generally opposite tosaid direction of flow of said flowing fluid to said starting locationafter said sail and said part of said flowing fluid are decelerated andtheir combined kinetic energy is transferred to said energy means sothat said steps (a) and (b) are continually repeated.
 19. The method ofclaim 16 wherein said means for releasing said part of said flowingfluid from said sail comprises at least one movable louver within saidsail so that when said louver is opened, said predetermined volume offluid is released from said sail, simultaneously reducing resistanceduring the said sail obstacle movement upstream.
 20. The method of claim16, further including providing a tunnel with an axis orientedsubstantially parallel to the direction of flow of said fluid and havinga lumen slightly larger than the surface of said sail so that said sailcan move along the axis of said tunnel through which said fluid flows,whereby said part of said flowing fluid is constrained to move behindsaid sail, thereby urging said sail to move downstream, and when saidsail and said part of said flowing fluid move downstream and saidconnection means decelerates said movement of said sail obstaclesubstantially all of said kinetic energy of said sail and said part ofsaid flowing fluid are transferred to said energy means.
 21. The methodof claim 16, further including providing a pair of said tunnels and aplurality of moveable sails, said tunnels containing said respectivemovable sails, said tunnels being oriented substantially parallel toone-another.
 22. The method of claim 16, further including an additionalset of louvers at the entrance of each of said tunnels, acting asentrance gates, said additional set of louvers being arranged to be openwhile said louvers on said sails are closed and to be closed while saidlouvers on said sails are open so that said fluid does not flow intosaid tunnel while said sail obstacle returns to said entrance of saidtunnel.
 23. The method of claim 16, further including coupling mansbetween said movable sails that is arranged to cause said sails to movein opposite directions with respect to one-another within theirrespective said tunnels.
 24. The method of claim 16, further including arotatable support for said tunnel and rotating means for said support sothat said axis of said tunnel can be oriented parallel to said directionof flow of said fluid.
 25. A system for capturing energy from abidirectional fluid flow, comprising: a tunnel having first and secondends, a movable sail obstacle, said sail substantially filling the lumenof said tunnel and movable along the length of said tunnel in saidlumen, means for coupling said sail to an energy storage and extractiondevice, a motion and position sensor capable of reporting the speed andposition of said sail within said tunnel to a control unit within saiddevice, said control unit arranged to control the amount of load coupledto said sail by said device so that by increasing said load, said energystorage and extraction device is capable of stopping the motion of saidsail, whereby when fluid enters said tunnel at said first end, said sailis urged to move with said fluid, and as said sail approaches saidsecond end of said tunnel, said sensor causes said control unit toincrease said load on said sail until said sail stops at said secondend, thereby transferring the kinetic energy contained in the motion ofsaid fluid in said tunnel and said sail obstacle to said device.
 26. Thesystem of claim 25, further including a shaft rotatably coupled to sailby a pair of lines, said shaft also coupled to said device so that whensaid sail moves within said tunnel, said lines cause said shaft torotate, thereby coupling the motion of said sail to said device.
 27. Thesystem of claim 25, further including a pair of one-way-rotating,conical spools on said shaft to which said lines are attached, saidspools providing the equivalent of a variable gear ratio between each ofsaid lines and said shaft as said lines cause said shaft to turn.
 28. Amethod of extracting energy from a moving mass of fluid, comprising:providing an obstacle to the flow of said fluid, said obstacle having apredetermined mass, allowing said obstacle to move in response to theflow of said fluid so that said obstacle is accelerated to substantiallythe velocity of said fluid and said obstacle and said fluid achieve afirst value of kinetic energy, providing a decelerating mechanismcoupled to said obstacle, said decelerating mechanism arranged to (a)decelerate said obstacle and said mass of fluid to substantially zerovelocity, so that said obstacle and said fluid assume a near-zero valueof kinetic energy, further to (b) transfer the difference between saidfirst and said second values of kinetic energy to a load.
 29. The methodof claim 28, using two or more encapsulating tunnels in concert, withone said sail obstacle moving forward with the said fluid in the energyextracting stroke, while the other said sail obstacle is being retractedto the other corresponding said tunnel's entrance, so that the energyextraction and delivery process can continue in a fashion similar to amulti cylinder internal combustion engine.
 30. The method of claim 28,further including a tunnel as encapsulating means, containing saidplurality of obstacles so that said moving mass of fluid becomesencapsulated between said plurality of obstacles and the walls of saidtunnel, whereby when the velocity of said moving mass of fluid and saidobstacles is changed by said decelerating mechanism, said deceleratingmechanism receives the change in kinetic energy arising from thedeceleration of said moving mass of said fluid and said plurality ofsaid obstacles.
 31. Self adjusting flow direction detectors can be usedwith any of the method and systems: a) two wing like paddles, 90 degreesapart, are provided on a shaft; the paddles are moved in response tofluid flow, turning the shaft with them, b) so providing the setting ofactivation fingers which operate the louvers within the sail obstacles,d) herewith reversing the tunnel entrance location from one end of thetunnel to the other so matching the system functions to the direction offluid flow. 32.-47. (canceled)
 48. A method for extracting mechanicalenergy from moving fluid masses, the method comprising: encapsulatingmeans into which the incoming fluid enters decelerating means, whereinthe decelerating means reduces the velocity of the encapsulated fluid tonear zero velocity transferring all or nearly all of the mechanicalenergy originally in the incoming fluid to the decelerating means. 49.The method of claim 48, in which the decelerating means is an inertialenergy sink.
 50. The method of claim 49, in which the decelerating meansis a potential energy sink.
 51. The system for extracting energy frommoving fluids, providing an encapsulation means wherein theencapsulating means includes: a movable partition, wherein the movablepartition includes a surface; wherein the movable partition isconfigured to be placed in a flowing fluid so that the flowing fluidtends to move the movable partition downstream; relocation means,wherein the relocation means includes an upstream end and a downstreamend; wherein the movable partition is attached to the relocation means;a first guide means, wherein the first guide means orients the surfaceof the movable partition substantially perpendicular to the flow of theflowing fluid at the upstream end of the relocation means; wherein themovable partition moves downstream along the relocation means in theflowing fluid from the upstream end to the downstream end; and a secondguide means, wherein the second guide means orients the surface of themovable partition substantially parallel to the flow of the flowingfluid at the downstream end of the relocation means; wherein the movablepartition moves upstream along the relocation means in the flowing fluidupstream from the downstream end to the upstream end. Wherein themovable partition contains a connection to the decelerating means. 52.The system of claim 51, wherein the decelerating means includes:connection means, wherein the connection means transfers energy from themovable partition and the flowing fluid to an energy sink.
 53. Thesystem of claim 51, further comprising: providing a tunnel; and placingthe movable partition, the relocation means, the first guide means andthe second guide means within the tunnel; wherein the tunnel is orientedso that the flowing fluid within the tunnel causes the movable partitionto move along the relocation means.
 54. The system of claim 53, furthercomprising: a second tunnel; and a second movable partition, wherein thesecond movable partition is placed in the second tunnel.
 55. The systemof claim 54, wherein: the first movable partition moves upstream whenthe second movable partition moves downstream; and the first movablepartition moves downstream when the second movable partition movesupstream.
 56. The system of claim 53, further comprising a set oflouvers at the entrance of the tunnel, wherein the set of louvers areconfigured to: be open if the movable partition is moving downstream;and be closed if the movable partition is moving upstream.
 57. Thesystem of claim 53, further comprising a rotatable support, wherein therotatable support allows the axis of the tunnel to be reoriented. 58.The system of claim 52 wherein the energy sink includes one of:flywheels; pumps; or generators.
 59. The system of claim 51 furthercomprising a second movable partition.
 60. The system of claim 51further comprising one or more pivots, wherein the one or more pivotsconnect the movable partition to the relocation means.
 61. The system ofclaim 51 further comprising one or more rollers, wherein the one or morerollers are configured to facilitate movement of the movable partitionalong the first guide means and the second guide means.
 62. A system ofclaim 51 wherein the connection means includes: a shaft, wherein theshaft includes: a spool having a spring; and a one-way clutch; and aline, wherein; the first end of the line is attached to the shaft andarranged to wind onto and off of the spool; the second end attached tothe movable partition wherein: movement of the movable partition in afirst direction unwinds the line from the spool and the clutch gripssaid shaft, thereby urging said shaft to rotate; and movement of themovable partition in a second direction the spring causes the line to berewound on to the spool and the clutch is disengaged from the shaft. 63.The system of claim 62, wherein the spool is conical in shape, whereinthe conical shape acts as a variable gear ratio between the movement ofthe movable partition and the rotation speed of the shaft.
 64. Thesystem of claim 51 wherein the movable partition includes releasingmeans, wherein the releasing means releases the flowing fluid pushingagainst the surface of the movable partition when the movable partitionreaches the downstream end.
 65. The system of claim 64 wherein thereleasing means includes a movable louver.
 66. The system of claim 51further comprising: a sensor, wherein sensor is configured to monitorthe speed and position of the movable partition; and a control unit,wherein the control unit can adjust the load on the movable partition.